It's no secret that staying mentally fit is important at any age. For seniors, keeping the brain active and engaged is especially important, as it may help ward off conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's.
The brain is a muscle just like any other in our body, and as we age it's important to keep it active and engaged.
And while there are plenty of ways to stay mentally fit – such as exploring new locations, learning new things, and participating in social activities – not everyone has the mobility to do all those things.
If you're confined to a wheelchair or mobility scooter, don't worry – there are still plenty of ways for you to keep your mind sharp!
Here are 10 of our favorite brain exercises for seniors in mobility scooters. Give them a try and see how mentally fit you can become!
Let's get started!
1. Chess To Boost Your Cognitive Skills
Chess has been around for centuries, and is often underestimated as a game that can boost brain health and mental wellbeing.
Surprisingly, after just a few months of playing, chess can even help to increase your IQ.
Whether you’re a grandmaster or a complete novice, chess is a great game for people of all ages and abilities.
Plus it’s a game played against another person, which requires you to meet up with a friend. Your mobility chair will give you the freedom to travel to meet up with another player in your local park or chess club.
A final benefit of playing chess, which is especially helpful for older people who struggle with concentration, is that it can help to increase focus. Consequently, mobility chairs plus playing chess is a great way to stay mentally healthy and sharp as you age.
So, next time you’re looking for something fun and challenging to do, why not give chess a try?
You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
2. Arts & Crafts
For older people, making things is not only a brilliant way to use imagination, but it can also help to maintain dexterity in hands and fingers. Arts and crafts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive either.
Also, when you meet up with friends and family at an arts center, you can socialize while putting your mind to work. In addition, mobility chairs provide a comfortable place to sit while working on projects.
Through the use of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, crafting can be done anywhere. From making greeting cards from magazines to knitting items for new babies!
So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you can create.
3. Bingo
Bingo is a fun and easy activity that can be played in large or small groups. It is one of the most common activities of older adults who live in care homes or who attend day centers, and can easily be replicated in or out of the home.
Playing bingo is not only fun and stimulating, but it also has a number of health benefits for seniors.
For example, it can help to stimulate three key senses: hearing (when the numbers are called), touch (using the pens to dab and holding the card), and sight.
Bingo is also a great social activity that can help to reduce loneliness and increase a sense of wellbeing.
One added bonus of playing bingo is that it can be done sitting down, making it ideal for seniors who are mobility-challenged. Simply drive your mobility chair to the bingo hall and park it next to a table… you won’t even have to switch seats!
So next time you're looking for a fun and easy activity to do with your elderly loved ones, try bingo!
4. Tasks To Boost Memory & Attention
One way to keep your mind sharp as you age is to play memory and attention games.
A great way to do this is to look around wherever you are and, within two minutes, try to find five red things that will fit in your pockets, and five blue objects that are too big to fit.
This exercise will help keep your mind focused and improve your memory recall. It also makes the game more interesting if you’re in an unfamiliar environment, which you can easily reach using your mobility chair.
Other games that are helpful for older people include crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word searches. By keeping their minds active and engaged, we can help stave off cognitive decline and keep our memories sharp.
There are many other games like these that target specific cognitive skills, so there's sure to be one that's perfect for you. And the best part is, they're all free! So there's no excuse not to give them a try.
5. Botanical Identification Game
Getting out and about is a great way to improve our wellbeing. Fresh air can stimulate the brain, and adding in a botanical identification element can help to really enhance the mental benefits of being outside.
Botanical identification games can be played with mobility chairs, so that everyone can join in, regardless of their level of mobility.
In addition, many mobility chairs come equipped with a basket or pouch for carrying belongings. This makes them perfect for taking on a trip to the local park or botanical gardens. Once there, you can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery while engaging in a bit of friendly competition.
The game can be played by looking for certain types of plants or flowers, and then trying to identify them. This can help to improve knowledge about different plant species, as well as providing a fun and enjoyable activity.
You just might be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself.
6. Shopping List Game
For many seniors, going to the grocery store is one of the only opportunities to get out and about. But as we age, shopping can turn into a challenge.
That's where the shopping list game comes in!
This fun and stimulating game is a great way for seniors to get some exercise, both mentally and physically. The game is played by a group of seniors sitting in a circle. The first person starts by saying: "I went to the supermarket and bought some chicken." The next person repeats that line and adds an item of their own: "I went to the supermarket and bought some chicken and some rice."
This continues until it comes back to the first person, who then must say the whole list again. The game can be completed for numerous rounds, until no one is able to remember all of the items.
Not only is this game a great way to improve memory skills, but it's also a great way to reduce loneliness and social isolation.
So next time you're looking for a fun activity to play with your friends and family, consider giving the shopping list game a try.
7. Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make new friends. It can also be unexpectedly rewarding!
From reading with children to spending time with mobility-challenged individuals, there are many ways to get involved.
Whether you're 18 or 80, there's always a way to help out and give back to your community. That's why mobility chairs are such a great invention – they allow individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in volunteering, regardless of any mobility issues they may have.
One of the best things about volunteering is that it can be tailored to any individual's abilities and interests. For example, if you enjoy being outdoors, there are opportunities to volunteer at local parks or gardens.
Or, if you're a people person, you might enjoy working at a food bank or helping out at a local library.
Even if you struggle with mobility, you can still experience the rewarding sensation of volunteering.
No matter what your skills or interests are, there's a volunteering opportunity for everyone.
So why not give it a try?
You might just find that it's one of the most rewarding experiences of your life!
8. The Card Matching Game
Card games are a great way to keep your mind sharp, socialize, and have some fun. They can be played by people of all ages and mobility levels.
If you're looking for a game that is challenging, yet still entertaining, the card matching game is a great option.
This game can be played alone or with a group of friends, and all you need is a pack of cards and a table.
The cards are laid face down and then when a player takes their turn, they flip over two cards together. If the cards match, they keep the pair and continue their go, looking for more matches. If they are unsuccessful, the next player has the turn.
The winner is the individual with the most correctly matched pairs.
This game is not only great fun, but it also helps improve our memory skills!
So dust off those old cards and get ready for some fun!
9. Fun Party Games
There are many party games that are both enjoyable and can boost skills required to live happily and healthily into older age.
One such game is Partners in Pen, which only requires a pen and some paper.
A group is split into pairs with person one having a pen and some paper, and person two having a list, or bag of items. Person two then describes an object and person one must draw it.
The aim of the game is for person one to guess what they are drawing before the image is complete.
This game is great for creative thinkers, and can be played by people of all mobility levels.
So next time you're planning a party for elderly people, be sure to keep Partners in Pen in mind!
10. Nature Walks
For seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors, nature walks (or cruising around in your mobility scooter) are a great way to exercise the brain.
According to research, leisurely nature walks can promote socialization, independence and feeling relaxed.
This helps older adults feel connected to what is around them and to themselves.
Keeping track of interesting landmarks and animals throughout your walk also helps keep your ability to recall details sharp.
And if mobility is an issue, there are now many different types of mobility chairs that allow seniors to enjoy nature walks without having to worry about getting around.
So get out there and enjoy all that nature has to offer!
Here Are Some Of The Most Popular Electric Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters On The Market Today!
Pride Jazzy 600 ES Mid-Wheel Power Chair J600ES
If you're in the market for a mobility chair that offers a smooth ride and a tight turning radius, the Pride Mobility Jazzy 600 ES Mid-Wheel Drive Power Chair is a great option.
This unit features unique suspension technology for superb performance, maneuverability and the tightest turning radius in the Jazzy line. The sleek design is also a plus, and the chair offers more stability than most power chairs because it comes with front and rear caster wheels.
So if you're looking for a mobility chair that can handle tight spaces and rough terrain, the Pride Mobility Jazzy 600 ES is a great choice.
ComfyGo IQ-7000 Remote Control Folding Electric Wheelchair
If you're searching for an affordable mobility solution that's both lightweight and airline-approved, look no further than the IQ-7000 Remote Control Electric Wheelchair.
This chair is one of the heavy-duty folding units that's capable of supporting up to 350 pounds, with a standard seat of 19 inches within its armrests.
What really sets this wheelchair apart, however, is its portability. The IQ-7000 Remote Control Electric Wheelchair weighs just 64 pounds. (for manual folding) or 67 lbs. (for automatic folding), making it one of the lightest folded power wheelchairs on the market today.
Plus, it folds up in just 3 seconds and can easily be stored in most vehicle trunks. That makes it extremely convenient for travel - whether you're going on a family vacation or a business trip.
So if you're looking for an affordable, lightweight and easy-to-transport mobility solution, then you can't go wrong with a ComfyGo electric wheelchair!
ComfyGo IQ-8000 Remote Control Folding Electric Wheelchair
Looking for a lightweight folding power wheelchair that is easy to transport? How about one with a remote control to operate the chair in addition to the standard joystick?
Well, look no further than the Majestic IQ-8000 by ComfyGo. This electric wheelchair is well built, comes in many different color options, and won't break the bank.
Weighing in at just 55 pounds with the battery, the IQ-8000 remote control folding electric wheelchair is one of the lightest foldable power wheelchairs on the market today. Additionally, this chair folds up in just 3 seconds, making it compact and easy to store or transport.
If you are someone who is active and always on the go, this electric wheelchair is a great solution.
Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter
The Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex is designed to be folded and unfolded in seconds, making it perfect for people who need to move around frequently.
The wireless key fob makes it even easier to operate, and the double-padded seat ensures a comfortable ride. Drive Medical mobility scooters have a variety of security features like front and rear reflectors and anti-tip wheels make this scooter a safe choice for anyone looking for a convenient way to get around.
EV Rider Transport AF 4W Folding Mobility Scooter
If you have limited mobility, an EV Rider travel mobility scooter can make your life much easier.
The Transport AF 4W scooter is one of the best on the market, and it's perfect for travel. It's ultra-lightweight and can easily be transported in the trunk of a car, on an airplane, or on a cruise ship.
Plus, it has a tight turning radius, so you'll have great maneuverability even in tight spaces.
Whether you're looking to travel more easily or just want a mobility solution that's easy to transport, the Transport AF 4W is the perfect choice.
EWheels EW-M48 Power Wheelchair
If you're in the market for a mobility chair that's both practical and affordable, the EW-M48 by EWheels Electric Mobility Scooters is a great option to consider.
This unit features a unique front-wheel set-up that places the 10 inch front wheel forward at the user's center of gravity. This creates a stable ride that performs well on many surfaces. In addition, the rear and center suspension provides a comfortable riding experience.
There are many features that specifically set this unit apart from others in its class.
Plus, the price point on this model is less expensive than other comparable units.
Purchasing the EWheels EW-M48 with its many features is a no brainer at this price point.
Conclusion
That's all 10 fun brain exercises for seniors in mobility scooters! We hope you enjoyed them and that they help keep your brain sharp.
For more ideas, you can read our article How Motorized Chairs For Seniors Help You Stay Active And Independent.
As we mentioned earlier, staying mentally fit is important at any age, but it's especially crucial for seniors.
If you're not able to do all the things that keep your mind sharp, don't worry – there are still plenty of ways for you to stay active and engaged.
Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs allow you to regain your independence, explore your surroundings (and even the world), and participate in social activities without being tired from walking for too long.
This is especially true if you have a good mid-wheel drive, tight turning power wheelchair, which are perfect in tighter spaces (like indoor bingo rooms).
As always, if you have any questions or need advice on how to stay mentally active and engaged while in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, don't hesitate to contact our amazing team of mobility experts.
They'll be more than happy to help!
Thanks for reading!
Not Sure Which Electric Wheelchair Or Mobility Scooter Is Right For You? We’re Here To Help!
We have a team of mobility experts on staff, who will listen to your needs and wants… and provide you with a number of options that fit within your budget.
Also, don’t forget that most electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters on Electric Wheelchairs U.S.A.’s online store qualify for mobility chair financing. You can easily see if you pre-qualify through our partnership with Klarna.
To talk to our friendly team of experts, simply call: 800-682-9444
source https://www.electricwheelchairsusa.com/blogs/news/10-ways-to-stay-mentally-fit-with-brain-exercises-for-seniors-in-mobility-scooters-electric-wheelchairs
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